Positive Pregnancy Tests

Updated on
October 16, 2008

D.E.
asks from
Saint Louis, MO
on October 07, 2008

49
answers

Hi moms-
Now that I know I am pregnant how long do I have to wait before I tell people? Most everyone in our families and most of our friends know we had been trying for over a year. So do we tell them or do we wait "x" amount of time? Again thank you for your advice. I really do appreciate it.

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L.D.

answers from
Topeka
on
October 08, 2008

I agree with the positive but for me I always wait till atleast 12 weeks to share the news. this is hard but so much can go wrong more so in the first trimester that it would be harder to tell the sad/bad news than holding in the good. happy times are ahead of you savor the moments.

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M.L.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

I have heard that you can always have false negatives on a pregnancy test but you can't have a false positive. Good luck and happy pregnancy!

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S.H.

answers from
Wichita
on
October 08, 2008

Its pretty rare to get a false positive. Usually its a false negative. I would almost guarantee that you are pregnant. Congratulations!!!

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S.M.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

I have had positive urine tests before and negative blood work. This happened because you do get pregnant, but if the egg fails to implant than you are not "actually pregnant" I have had this happen two times to me. So good luck to you, hopefully this will not be the case with me but my doctor said that I really need to not take a pregnancy test until I am at least 2 weeks late starting my period. because pregnancy tests are so sensitive now a days this is happening a lot and a lot of women are getting disappointed. Good luck to you.

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S.H.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 09, 2008

Congrats! Okay the only bad thing about telling the world you are pregnant is if (God forbid) something happens to the baby-you have to go back and "unpregnant yourself" all the people again. I would tell close friends and family of course but wait for the 3 months to all clear yourself before you go and tell others. It is just easier on everyone.
Also-Congrats! We just had our first. I took 3 pee test that all came back negative and I WAS pregnant. We now have a beautiful and healthy little girl. 4 months old. Take care of yourself, don't workout, cut out the caffeine for the first 3 months at least. Have fun and enjoy!
Steph

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J.L.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

I think it's more common to have negative pee tests and actually be pregnant. That has happened to me before. Good luck and congrats if your blood test is positive!

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A.C.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

I know you have had several responses, but I just wanted to encourage you...it is VERY RARE to have a false-positive. Over the counter preg tests measure the amount of HCG in your urine...which is only present when you have conceived. This is very good news for you:) Congratulations!

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S.W.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 08, 2008

I think that it's safe to say that you are pregnant. Congrats and good luck!!!

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S.D.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

Congrats D.!! Pregnancy tests only show a positive if there is HCG in your urine...so you can get a false negative, but not a false positive. I hope you have a wonderful pregnancy!

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J.C.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

Congratulations! From what I've read, the hormone that the tests check for is not in a woman's body unless she is pregnant so it should never give a false positive. I think I read this on babycenter.com or parenting.com if you want to try to look it up. Good luck with everything!!

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R.H.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 08, 2008

I was always told (even by my doctor) that over the counter tests don't give a false positive but can give a false negative. So....congrats.

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M.W.

answers from
Topeka
on
October 07, 2008

As long as you are reading the tests within the time limit and they are positive, then I'd say you are pregnant. Congrats! You can always get a digital, too. I got a positive when I was pregnant with my son and my HCG was only 14.

As far as your other question. Yes, you can have a positive home test and a negative blood test. But, that doesn't mean you aren't pregnant.

Make sure to ask for a quantitative HCG test. This measures the actual number. A qualitative only gives a yes/no answer and some doctor's office cutoff number is as high as 50-100. So, if your HCG wasn't that high, then your blood test would come back negative. But, if you ask for the quantitative, you will get your actual number. Usually they repeat the test anywhere from 48 hours-1 week later. And, your number should double approximately every 48-72 hours.

I hope this made sense and wasn't too confusing. Good luck and keep us posted.

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V.P.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

If you've got 3 ++ HPT's, then I'd say CONGRATULATIONS!!! How exciting for you! I hope you have a very happy and healthy 9 months!

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J.B.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

A false negative sometimes happens, but I've never heard of a false positive. Congrats!

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S.B.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

False positives are very rare - especially 3 of them. Congrats on your pregnancy! I wish you a happy and healthy 9 months!

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M.B.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

If you've had three positive urine tests, I'd say it's safe to hope that the blood work will show the same. I mean, three false positives?? They're something like 97% accurate!

That said, pregnancy brings a whole host of other things to worry about (like losing the baby) so hang in there!

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B.C.

answers from
Joplin
on
October 08, 2008

D.,
False positives can occur but they are rare.
( Congratulations in advance = } )
You will be in my prayers!
B.

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J.H.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

I've been told it's possible to have a false negative, but not a false positive because your urine contains a hormone that is only present when you're actually pregnant. Try not to stress too much! Good luck!

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C.B.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 09, 2008

If you want to tell, tell! It's a wonderful thing and I know keeping this kind of news to yourself can be rough. I am one of those people that tells everyone the minute I find out. That is just how I am. If something were to happen, I would want people to know that I was pregnant so that they could offer me the support. If something happened and they didn't know, you would have to tell them both things in the same breath. It is a personal decision and up to you to make, but I am of the opinion to go and spread the news! I am currently 7 weeks pregnant with our 2nd child. It is not a secret anymore!

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C.M.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 07, 2008

Everything that I have heard is that false negitives are common but it is VERY rare to get a false positive. The urine tests are testing you for hormones that are at higher levels when you are pregnant. If you have taken 3 urine tests and they all say the same thing, then you can plan on a bundle of joy arriving at your house in approximately 9 months. CONGRATS!!!

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S.L.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 07, 2008

Honey, listen... There are only a few illnesses that are very rare that will cause positive pregnancy tests that are false positives. I am 99.9% positive you are pregnant :)

Congrats

Suzi

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E.P.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

I was on clomid and went in for blood tests that came out negative. After 3 weeks aunt flo still had not come, I was peeing every hour and my boobs hurt horribly so as a peace of mind for myself, I took a pee test at home...totally 100% positive. I called my doc., went in for more blood tests and am for sure pregnant. Evidently the HCG levels in my blood weren't as high as normal pregnancies yet so they told me I was negative...moral of the story...the pee test doesn't lie! Congrats!

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J.J.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 08, 2008

pretty unlikely to have a false positive, and very unlikely to have more than one.

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M.L.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 08, 2008

Oh, that is awesome news. No matter what,stay positive in mind and heart.God Bless and I am praying for you and yours'.

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E.W.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 08, 2008

From my experience it is rare to get a false positive urine test. They are checking for the pregnancy hormone HCG and once it is in your system the test will show positive. False negatives are pretty common, but a false positive is not. I understand you not wanting to get your hopes up. I was scared that at the 8 week ultrasound we'd go in and they'd say I wasn't pregnant! Hang in there you will know without a doubt soon!

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S.T.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

you're pregnant! Congrats!

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T.R.

answers from
Joplin
on
October 08, 2008

well, in nursing school they told us there were "no false positives." good luck!

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A.D.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

Congratulations!!! Most likely, you ARE pregnant!
The home urine tests are very sensitive now and are rarely, if ever, false positive (false negative is much more common).
At your doc appointment, not only can they confirm a positive test, but they will get a "quant" result and find out the amount of HCG in your blood (giving a general idea of how far along you are).
Now...think positive!
That said, there are a couple situations where things can be a little more complicated. If you are pregnant, but then the numbers (in the blood) were to be very low or are dropping, that could be an indication of a early miscarriage. They are much more common than most people realize, but usually, are not even noticed and chalked up to a late and heavy period.
There is also something called a molar pregnancy where there is a problem with development and an embryo is not being formed, but the cells are giving off HCG. This is NOT common.
Just wanted to give you a little bit of info since you asked...
but most likely, you're going to be a MOM!!!!
Be sure you're taking your prenatal vitamins!!!
Let us know how you're doing!

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M.J.

answers from
Joplin
on
October 09, 2008

NEVER> you can never have false positive. you can have false negative. congratulations.

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J.B.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

I would say congratulations is probably in order. I took 8 pregnancy tests. I took 3 to "make sure" then somehow I got a negative on #3, so I took 5 more and still wasn't convinced until the doctor said so!

Good luck!

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S.D.

answers from
Topeka
on
October 07, 2008

You can read my post it was on the same issue Accuracy on pregnancy tests,I had done a few tests at home then waited a few days then BAM positive all in the same week then I did one at he clinic it was better then waiting for the blood test and yes in deed i'm 17 weeks prego and due in March.The pregnancy tests looks for the hormone HCG which is only present when you are pregnant that is what they will test for in your blood.I wish you the best let us know for sure but more than likely you will have good news.

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S.N.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

You are most definitely pregnant.

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C.M.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 08, 2008

It is not too common to have a false positive,but more to have a false negative. Congrats...you are going to be a mommy.

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V.M.

answers from
Wichita
on
October 08, 2008

Hi D.,

Congrats! A friend of mine who is a nurse said you sometimes get a negative reading even if you are prego, but if it's positive then it's usually no mistake. I would probably feel like you though and would want it confirmed before I get too excited, but you are probably prego if they all came back positive, sooooo.....CONGRATS!!!

Also, I deal in all natural products and we have a great baby care line. If interested in a free sample and checking us out, just let me know. You can get a annual wholesale account and save 35% and more on your orders.

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J.W.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

D.~
Yes this happen to me three times! My first time I took 6 Positive Pregnancy tests then I went to get the blood test it came back negative. A week late I went back to the doctors to do blood work it came back Positive. I asked my doctor about this "He said what could've happen is it could've overlapped and really I was pregnant the first time!"I have two healthy, beautiful, wonderful little girls. I am pregnant with our third child, I went through the cycle all over again my first time I took 6 Positive Pregnancy tests then I went to get the blood test it came back negative. A week late I went back to the doctors to do blood work it came back Positive. Now I am 4 months pregnant with our third child. Just think Positive and go in with a Positive Attitude! Good Luck & Best Wishes!

Second Part of your question:
You need to wait for 3 months after 3 months you should be OK especially since you made it through your first trimester! Good Luck! Take Care! God Bless You and Your Family!

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G.N.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 07, 2008

Ya what they said. Sounds as if you are pregnant. Congrats and enjoy.

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M.S.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

I know you have had quite a few responses, but you are pregnant - congrats!!!!

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A.H.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 08, 2008

Hi Danille,

The urine test is only positive when the pregnancy hormone HCG is present. It is almost impossible to have a false positive due to the urine test only reacting to HCG hormones. Meaning, you are pregnant! Congradulations! You can have a false negative if the HCG hormone isn't strong enough or if you test too early. The more HCG hormone present the faster and darker the line turns positive. Hope this has been of some help. Congradulations again. Have a great day!

A. H.

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M.S.

answers from
Wichita
on
October 16, 2008

While the blood test is much more sensitive than the urine I think it's more common to have a false negative test than a false positive urine test. Congrats and good luck!!

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N.W.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

According to my obgyn the only way to get a positive is if you are pregnant. The hormone that the tests looks for is only present if you are pregnant. False negatives are where you get the surprises!

Congratulations!

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L.L.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 08, 2008

Hi D., I have always been told that your more likely to get a false negative than a false positive. Once your pregnant, your body (from the fetus) will produce a hormone called HCG which is the hormone that they test for in urine and blood.

I took three urine pregnancy tests before I believed i was pregnant! LOL!! Granted I was very young (18) at that time and VERY freaked out, but it turned out to be the best decision I ever made! Congrats on your little bundle who will be joining your family!! Such a blessing from God! Take care!!

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F.M.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

I would say congratulations!! I have had many false negative because it takes time for me to get a positive test. I had a false negative even in the drs office one time! They put me on heartburn meds and it was pregnancy afterall! LOL There are VERY few times people get false positives, VERY FEW!

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L.M.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 08, 2008

From all I've read & been told you can get a false negative on the urine tests but not a false positive.

I think congrats will be in order for you :)

L.

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S.C.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 08, 2008

it can still happen but with 3 test and they are so accurate now...I believe you should get a positive blood test...Good Luck and happy 9 months...

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C.C.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 08, 2008

With my first 2, there were no such tests. But with #3...22 years ago, when tests were not nearly as perfected as now, my doctor told me that there are false negatives, but if it says you are pregnant... you are pregnant! And I was! Enjoy this pregnancy. There's nothing in the world like it and then you get the ultimate reward! A baby! You are beginning the most fun time of your life! And your parents are too... being a grandma is THE BEST!!

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J.V.

answers from
Topeka
on
October 08, 2008

Not to burst your bubble, but you really should wait on the blood tests. Pregnancy tests (urine ones) come up false-positives all the time. It's VERY common! I hope for your sake you are prego because I know how it is to want to be prego and to be trying, but just don't get your hopes up yet.

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C.B.

answers from
Kansas City
on
October 08, 2008

sounds like congrats are in order! girl my opinion is, that's why they sell them in two-packs. if they're 99.9% effective, then if you take more than one and they're all the same...well...there's your answer! not likely they're all wrong! congrats! :)

(i do understand about not wanting to get your hopes up though...i waited till the dr. confirmed it too. but...mini-yays! till then! :)

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L.B.

answers from
St. Joseph
on
October 08, 2008

The pee tests you take at home are the same they give you at the Dr's office. So congratulations!

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L.F.

answers from
St. Louis
on
October 08, 2008

Sounds like you are pregnant to me. Never had a pee test fail. Congrats.